Related Links

Springdale, Ark. -- The Burlsworth Trophy and presenting sponsor, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club, announced Tuesday that safety Davis Cazares, along with 52 other student-athletes from around the country were selected as nominees for the 2013 Burlsworth Trophy. The 2013 list includes standout players and national statistical leaders from every major conference in the nation.

Cazares currently leads the Aggies in tackles with 85, which ranks him 11th in the nation in total tackles. He also ranks 35th in the country in solo tackles. Cazares has also recorded two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, two pass break-ups, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble on the season. In 2012, Cazares tallied 116 tackles, ranking 27th in the nation, earning him second team All-WAC honors.

The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding collegiate football player who began his career as a walk-on. A walk-on is defined as a player who began his first season of participation with a Division I (FBS) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, who walked on to the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1994, worked his way to being a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft but was killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children that have limited opportunities.